"I don't think a 1,000-pound alligator is out of the question," Flynt said. It maintains its natural marshes and wetlands to provide a habitat for fish and different wildlife species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, sturgeon, turtle, and woodpecker. The Pascagoula River is one place capable of it.". This alligator was captured September 2 by John Hamilton, who found it in Eagle Lake, north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, Smith said. The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, The 10 Largest Man-Made Lakes in the United States, Whats the Largest Man Made Lake in Pennsylvania, The Most Alligator Infested Lakes in Mississippi. In 2017, a fishing couple caught a dead 10-foot alligator in the Neuse River near New Bern, according to N&O archives. Harmless snakes are more common, but encounters with venomous snakes do occur, and one should always be alert while enjoying outdoor activities. We were just like, 'Yeah, Laurel's a cool placeyou didn't know?' He leads a Laurel that's worlds away from the town of his childhood memories. Something was pulling us back here. Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. The current length record is 13 feet 6.5 inches, set by an alligator taken on the Pascagoula River in 2008. We opened in 2017, and now there are very few days you can come in here that we don't have a full house.". Mrs Catherine Gardiner, the wife of one of the lumber barons, engaged the firm of Fredrick Law Olmstead to landscape a city parkway system for tiny Laurel. Copyright 2016 WDAM. Miss Pearl can be businesslike, but they know I'm fair and I love them. Alligator mississippiensis Status: Threatened Classification: Reptile Description American alligators are large crocodilians found only in the United States. Did you know you can also see alligators in Louisiana? I grew up in a community called the KC in a three-room shotgun house. Nationwide, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports there are 7,000-8,000 snake bites annually. After all, the American alligator is also called the Mississippi alligator, and there it is, the Mississipi, right in St. Louis! Comprised of various natural habitats such as wetlands, woods, forests, grasslands, and beach fronts, it is no surprise that wildlife is diverse and plentiful in the southern state of Mississippi. It is believed that there are somewhat more than 30,000 alligators in Mississippi, with the majority residing in the state's southern region. Symptoms of the virus are generally mild. "That's a rule you just don't break in the woods.". :What to know about the chances of attack. Snow is a rare sight in Mississippi, but thats okay. Follow The Clarion-Ledger Outdoors on Facebook and @BrianBroom on Twitter. FollowClarion LedgerOutdoors on Facebookand @BrianBroom onTwitter. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. "They're an apex predator and in feeding they have to tear their prey apart.". I got involved after college. There are parts of the Pascagoula that are extremely remote and have been home to big alligators for a long time. It just means we appreciate it that much more when we do get it. The hunting crew also included Charles Thompson, Ricky Googins and Rick Googins. After completing the purchase, Eastman and the Gardiner brothers decided to make substantial improvements to their Laurel lumber operations by constructing a new and much larger, state-of-the-art lumber mill. The gator was not harmed while being relocated. Im slowly working my way around the world and sharing my journey as I go. Twenty-five percent of the alligator population in Mississippi is found Jackson County and the Pascagoula River drainage system. "I put my foot where I couldn't see," Sanders said. "Take two steps back and walk away," Vandeventer preaches. It wouldn't be summer or fall in Mississippi without the sounds of mosquitoes buzzing. It's likely the reptiles are migrating from Mississippi, where there is a. Theres many different places where you can see alligators in Mississippi both in the wild and in zoos. You might even spot one eating a fish! Spend the night at Laurel Cottages,an Airbnb just a few blocks from downtown that's run by Mallorie and Jim Rasberry. My son is there, and my daughter-in-law, who's like my best friend. Flynt, who has caught and handled alligators for years in his research, said only larger alligators require two hands to hold their jaws closed and that's because the mouths can be too large to grip with a single hand. American Alligators are the state reptile for Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi. However, not anyone can trap gators because it is illegal, and a person could get fined up to $10,000. "Overall, I think we have a healthy population.". This story was originally published February 20 . The per capita income for the city was $15,561. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 61.3% African-American, 29.8% non-Hispanic white, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 1.0% reporting two or more races.[17]. Mississippi does have six types of venomous snakes: copperhead, coral snake, pygmy rattlesnake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, canebrake or timber rattlesnake, and cottonmouth or water moccasin. With its area spanning ten states, it would be no surprise if locals or tourists reported alligator sightings near or within the river. Due to the variety of habitats in the state, many interesting animals, like armadillos, bottlenose dolphins, flying squirrels, kingsnakes, and alligators, have been seen living here. I do believe 1,000-pounders could be there.". In the window of a shop on Magnolia Street is the message "Bloom where you're planted." It's been an amazing journey. I would take photos of a corner downtown that people might overlook. "Not in the recorded history of Mississippi history, anyway.". Flynt said the alluvial valley is gathering nutrients and is being funneled into the Mississippi River . In addition to influencing a diverse architectural district, the "timber families" of Laurel influenced the building of the town's broad avenues, the design of numerous public parks, and the development of strong public schools.[9]. But it didn't always seem that way. Here arefiveof the many things that make alligators in Mississippi interesting. In an argument, Blanche tells Harold Mitchell she's brought many victims into her web, and calls the hotel the Tarantula Arms rather than the Hotel Flamingo. Wherever you are in Mississippi, theres plenty of options here to see alligators in their natural habitat and in zoos. Some years ago, during a drought, a 3' one was found . We have seven kids and 10 grandbabies, with another on the way. Here in Mississippi, coming across animals on the road is almost as common as coming across other motorists. The numbers vary among different sources, but most indicate there have been about 60 deaths from black bear attacks in North America since 1900 and just over 20 of those happened in the United States. There have been several sightings of heavyweight alligators in the river. Laurel is in north-central Jones County, 8 miles (13km) northeast of Ellisville, the first county seat. "That lifeline will save your life," Newell said. "In the grand scheme of things in a population, it all works out," Flynt said. Right across the street from City Hall used to be the Pinehurst Hotel. As the Hospitality State, well always be friendly towards visitors, but that doesnt mean we want them to start calling Mississippi home. In 1893, the new Eastman-Gardiner Company mill began operations, using the best technology and labor-saving devices of the day. The tail and hind limbs of the dead alligator protruded from a hole in the bloated mid-body of the dead python. Stay at Bonnie's Laurel Cottage, a super-friendly place owned by Bonnie McConkey (it's about five minutes from downtown). Laurel is the headquarters of the Jones County Sheriff's Department, which administers in the county. Despite the large population of alligators in South Mississippi, state wildlife officials say there has never been a reported alligator attack on humans. Following the 1881 construction of the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad through the area,[3] economic development occurred rapidly. "But I can remember 10 years ago there was an alligator taken off the Pascagoula River near the 1-10 boat ramp that weighed 938 pounds. With so many of these predators roaming around, one might anticipate fatal alligator attacks are a regular occurrence. When I got back, I said, 'All my friends are gone, deceasedwhat am I gonna do?' Top Things to Do in Laurel, Mississippi: See Tripadvisor's 4,130 traveller reviews and photos of Laurel tourist attractions. Although the odds of dying from a venomous snake bite are low, the pain caused and the price of treatment are extreme. According to Randy Newell, spokesperson and law enforcement officer for MDWFP, there were more than 20 tree stand-related injuries last year and four were fatal. From deer to alligators, theres no telling whats waiting outside your front door. "When my daughter graduated high school, she said she was going to leave. Another zoo in Mississippi that has alligators is Hattiesburg Zoo, located within Kamper Park in Hattiesburg. "With 38 percent of the population being from down there and to have no attacks is good," Flynt said. Trapper Wayne'snuisance animal control made its biggest catch yet,an alligator that weighed over 700 pounds. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Climate Normals Quick Access Station: Laurel, MS", "2020 CENSUS SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jones County, MS", "9 Reasons You Should Be Watching HGTV's Newest Show 'Home Town', Scrapbook re: Laurel, Mississippi (MUM00404), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Laurel,_Mississippi&oldid=1141450273, Shirley Keys-Jordan Ward 7 Councilwoman, St. John's Day School (affiliated with the Episcopal Church), This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 03:44. Below I have listed the best places to see alligators in Mississippi including the exact spots and locations you should visit. A husband and wife duo (Ben & Erin) show their pride in their hometown of Laurel, MS by redoing and remodeling older homes that are being purchased. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Laurel, MS declined from 18,508 to 18,403, a 0.567% decrease and its median household income grew from $31,968 to $34,114, a 6.71% increase. (AP) The lower three counties of South Mississippi are home to 38 percent of the state's alligators. And the beautiful mural on the side of a once-dilapidated building? Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are among the most frequent activities. Council members are elected from single-member districts. Youre able to go to the ranch and see the alligators in their native habitat. For hunters, there is another serious danger that awaits. When an alligators tooth breaks off, a new one grows in its place. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In Mississippi, there is no record of an alligator attack, fatal or not. 14. Period," Flynt said. 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